Guwahati: Ethnic violence that ignited in Manipur on May 3, 2023, shows few signs of abating after three years, even with President’s rule imposed and later lifted for a favoured government’s return. Tensions have escalated further, widening the trust gap despite Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s outreach visits to hill and valley regions.
Essential travel along highways connecting valleys to hills remains disrupted since the initial outbreak. Manipur Home Minister K Govindas Singh disclosed that 88 of the 272 CAPF companies stationed in the state were redeployed for West Bengal polls, as reported by The Economic Times.
Authorities grapple with resettling thousands of displaced families. In an RTI response to Congress leader Hareshwar Goswami, the home secretariat reported 58,821 people uprooted as of March 30, 2026. “Since May 2023, around 217 people were provided ex-gratia, which was given to the next of the kin,” it stated.
The same RTI, current to March 10, 2026, listed 174 relief camps operational, with Manipur Police Housing Corporation erecting 3,000 prefabricated units. “Around 7,894 houses were permanently damaged, and 2,646 houses partially destroyed since May 3, 2023,” the reply added.
Cabinet Expansion Stalled
Persistent clashes have stalled plans to broaden the council of ministers. A BJP leader speaking speaking on condition of anonymity noted that CM Singh, sworn in February, faces delays on filling seven empty slots. “However, the Cabinet expansion is yet to receive a nod from the BJP’s central leadership,” the leader said.
Singh distributed portfolios on March 4 to his two deputy chief ministers and two cabinet ministers, holding onto major departments. BJP members include CM Khemchand Singh, Nemcha Kipgen (the only woman minister and a Kuki MLA), and Konthoujam Govindas Singh. NPF’s Losii Dikho and NPP’s Khuraijam Loken Singh round out the allies.
Naga Clashes Surge
The unrest has now consumed Naga-majority districts — Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong, Chandel, and sections of Kangpokpi — once spared. Recent flare-ups in Ukhrul peaked on April 24, claiming three lives and injuring others in a brutal firefight.
Police reported intense shooting at Mullam village under Litan station that Friday, killing Paominlun Haolai (22), Letlal Sitlhou (41), and Horshokmi Jamang (29). Haolai and Sitlhou were Kukis from Churachandpur and Kangpokpi; Jamang a Tangkhul Naga from Kamjong. Numerous homes were gutted in the melee.
Unity Convention Planned
COCOMI, a valley civil society body, will host a people’s convention on Sunday (May 3) for the third anniversary of Manipur’s crisis. Convenor YK Dhiren said, “the convention aims to discuss and chart a future course of action for resolving the prolonged conflict in Manipur.”
Moreh Bandh Over Arrest
An indefinite bandh grips Moreh following the NIA’s arrest of a top suspect in the 2023 killing of a Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) by suspected Kuki militants.
